Lane ready for Indian summer

Mark Lane discusses tactics with England women's captain Charlotte Edwards

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After casting aside South Africa like a spoilt child tossing away an unwanted birthday present, England know there will be few gifts on offer when they meet India in the first of five NatWest one-day internationals on Saturday at Bath.

England coasted to a 4-0 win against South Africa - the fifth one-dayer fell foul of the weather - but despite the flattering scoreline, coach Mark Lane insists his charges can improve and hopes they can match their performance at Lord's where the hosts cruised to a 225 run victory.

"I was really pleased with the result but we were not at our best and could have played better," Lane told ecb.co.uk.

"Lord's was an example of how we can play. That was the highlight - the place, the occasion, the way we played with both ball and bat. We also had two batters [Caroline Atkins and Sarah Taylor] getting hundreds and Nunny [Katherine Brunt] getting five-for."

With England looking comfortable winners from the outset, Lane rotated his squad throughout the series and ensured each player had the opportunity to press a claim for a place in the XI.

Lane would ideally like to do the same against India, performances permitting, as he continues to work towards the World Cup in March and the World Twenty20 three months later.

"We are looking to plan for the World Cup and World Twenty20," he said. "We gave them all the opportunity to play against South Africa which worked out well.

"We are still trying to establish what our strongest line-up is for both 50-over and Twenty20 cricket. But we will take each game as it comes."

Lane and assistant coach Jack Birkenshaw masterminded a convincing 4-0 win over South Africa

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Ashes winners and undefeated since February 24, it would be easy for complacency to creep in and England's players to take their foot off the gas. But not on Lane's watch.

"Working with these girls, they are always motivated when it comes to playing for their country," he said. "They see it as a massive honour. They also know they have to perform because we have a talented squad.

"We are unbeaten in 11 games and we want to carry that momentum forward. We are in confident mood."

India will also be brimming with confidence after thrashing Pakistan 5-0 in May and they will be further boosted by memories of two victories over England last year, albeit on the sub-continent.

Whether they travel well remains to be seen but Lane expects a stern examination.

"I watched them play on Thursday," he said. "[Jhulan] Goswami looks quite good and they have a couple of wily spinners.

"It will be a tough series. They are ranked second in the world and we are fourth - it will be a good test for us."